by Harbor View Weddings – Your Trusted Los Angeles Wedding Officiant

How to Get Married in Los Angeles in 3 Easy Steps

Planning to tie the knot in the City of Angels? 💍 Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate beach wedding or a backyard ceremony, the process to make it legal is surprisingly simple. Here’s how to get married in Los Angeles in just 3 easy steps.

Step 1: Apply for a Marriage License

Before anything else, you’ll need to get a marriage license from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.

👉 Here’s what you’ll need:

• A valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
• Both parties present in person
• $91 for a public license or $85 for a confidential license (subject to change)

💡 Tip: A public license is part of the public record and requires at least one witness. A confidential license keeps your information private and doesn’t require a witness (but must be married in LA County).

📎 Apply online and schedule your appointment here:
Los Angeles County Marriage License Application

Step 2: Hire a Los Angeles Wedding Officiant

Once you have your license, it’s time to find a Los Angeles wedding officiant who’s legally authorized to perform marriages in California.

That’s where Harbor View Weddings comes in! With over 20 years of experience, we offer bilingual, non-religious, and customized ceremonies all across Los Angeles—from Malibu beaches to Griffith Park and everything in between.

👉 View our officiant services here

Whether you’re planning a big celebration or a cozy elopement, we make the process easy, heartfelt, and memorable.

Step 3: Get Married & File the License

After your ceremony, your officiant will fill out and sign your marriage license. Here’s what happens next:

• If you used a public license, you’ll need at least one witness to sign.
• For confidential licenses, no witness is required—but you must be married in LA County.

Once completed, your officiant will submit the license back to the County Clerk (either by mail or in person). You can then request certified copies of your marriage certificate—often needed for name changes and legal updates.

📎 More info on filing and getting your certificate:
How to Request a Marriage Certificate in LA County

Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget the Details

• You can get married the same day you get your license—there’s no waiting period in California.
• If you’re planning a destination wedding, check if you need an Apostille for international use.
• Need help with a location? Check out our post on 3 Free Places to Have a Wedding in Los Angeles.

Ready to Say “I Do”?

At Harbor View Weddings, we make it simple to get married in Los Angeles. Whether you need help with the paperwork, ceremony planning, or choosing the perfect location—we’re here for you.

📞 Contact us today to check your date and get started:
👉 Book Your Los Angeles Wedding Officiant